394: Kris Engelstad—Don't Call Her a Philanthropist
Jul 9, 2024
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Kris Engelstad oversees the Engelstad Foundation, which has granted over $300 million in scholarships. She shares her journey from working as a maid in her father's Las Vegas hotel to managing a billion-dollar foundation. The conversation delves into her unique perspective on philanthropy, the importance of connections, and the innovative creation of community initiatives like Betty's Village. Kris also discusses the complexities of legacy and responsible giving, revealing how personal experiences shape her approach to impactful charitable work.
Kris Engelstadt highlights the importance of small gestures, like flushing toilets, that significantly improve the working conditions for hotel staff.
Her philanthropic efforts focus on creating replicable educational models that empower students and enhance communities beyond mere financial contributions.
Engelstadt aims to shift perceptions about trade professions and emphasizes vocational training as essential for providing young adults with job readiness.
Deep dives
The Importance of Basic Courtesy
Basic courtesy, such as flushing the toilet in hotel rooms, is highlighted as a simple yet essential act that guests should do to aid housekeeping staff. The guest, Chris Engelstadt, shares her experiences working as a maid in Las Vegas, emphasizing how small gestures can significantly impact the workload of hotel staff. She believes that a low bar of respect and consideration can create a better environment for workers, reflecting on the challenges they face. This insight serves as a reminder of the human aspect behind service jobs, advocating for empathy and mindfulness from guests.
Transformational Philanthropy
Chris Engelstadt’s philanthropic efforts have significantly impacted education and other critical services in Nevada and beyond. With the establishment of the Engelstadt Foundation, she emphasizes a hands-on approach to philanthropy as opposed to mere monetary donations. She aims to create replicable models for educational initiatives that inspire students and empower communities. By focusing on projects that offer tangible results and long-lasting change, Engelstadt embodies a stewardship model that prioritizes societal advancement.
Legacy of Work Ethic and Education
The conversation reflects on a project in Nevada focused on implementing a work ethic curriculum in high schools, demonstrating the critical intersection of education and real-world skills. Engelstadt's active involvement aims to alter the perception of trade professions and highlight their value in today’s economy. By partnering with local educational institutions, she seeks to provide opportunities for students who may not fit into traditional college paths. This initiative underscores the importance of developing vocational skills among youth as a means of economic empowerment and success.
Personal Experiences Shaping Philanthropy
Engelstadt’s background as a child of a builder in a prominent Las Vegas family informs her philanthropic perspective and approach. She recounts her upbringing as an only child who learned valuable lessons about hard work and the responsibilities of managing inherited wealth. Her experiences, including working as a maid, offer her unique insights into the challenges faced by service workers and instill a strong sense of duty to give back. This personal narrative emphasizes how one's life experiences can be transformative, ultimately guiding philanthropic efforts.
Navigating Complex Relationships in Philanthropy
The discussion reveals the complexities Engelstadt navigates within her philanthropic relationships, particularly with educational institutions. Her frustration with higher education funding misuse highlights the need for accountability and effective management in philanthropic endeavors. She stresses that meaningful change requires more than just financial contributions; it mandates an active, engaged approach to the issues at hand. Engelstadt’s experiences encapsulate the challenges many philanthropists face while striving to make a genuine impact in societal progress.
The Value of Trade Schools and Community Engagement
The conversation emphasizes the increasing recognition of trade schools' importance and the growing desire to support vocational training initiatives. Engelstadt shares her commitment to investing in community programs that provide practical skills, thereby enhancing job readiness for young adults. This focus on trade education reflects a broader societal shift towards valuing not only traditional college degrees but also pathways that lead to skilled labor and technical careers. By investing in these areas, Engelstadt aims to create opportunities that can change the trajectory of many lives for the better.
As trustee of the Engelstad Foundation, Kris has overseen the endowment of over $300 million in scholarships and grants. Kris talks about working as a maid in her father’s hotel on the Las Vegas strip, what she learned from watching him build several Nevada landmarks, and what it’s like to manage a billion-dollar foundation.
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